Gay Maxene (Hunsberger) Lehman, 75, died July 24, 2025, after a nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born Sept. 21, 1949, to Paul and Edna (Martin) Hunsberger in Noelville, Ont. When she was 10, the family moved to Goshen, Ind., so her parents could continue their education at Goshen College. On June 24, 1972, she married Sanford Lehman, whom she met at Goshen College.
After graduation from Goshen College in 1971, she taught fifth grade in East Noble Schools in Indiana, Lowville Academy and Central Schools in New York and Goshen Community Schools in Indiana. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching her many fifth-grade students.
Upon retiring in 2010, her interests changed. She became involved in The Window, a non-profit organization that helps people facing financial struggles. She served on the board of directors, was chair for many years and helped as a Meals on Wheels dispatcher. She also enjoyed spending many hours creating, piecing and sewing all-fabric books for children called quiet books.
She enjoyed extensive travel with Sanford, her family and her friends. They took trips to India, Nepal, Indonesia, Europe, South America and many other countries. She and her family also took many trips to New York, Canada and New Mexico.
She enjoyed hosting Goshen College international students. Some stayed through the summer and Christmas break, but many spent several years in their home. She willingly opened her home and kitchen to these students and often felt she gained more than they did.
She was an active member of College Mennonite Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, sang with the Adult Chorale, served on the Discipling Commission and mentored many young students. Her faith, family, church family and large groups of friends brought joy to her life.
She is survived by her husband, Sanford, of 53 years; a son, Doug (Melissa) in Albuquerque, N.M.; a daughter, Angela (Andrew) Schwartz of Goshen; three granddaughters; and siblings Joy (Bob) Beiler, her twin brother Ray (Mary) Hunsberger of Goshen, Gloria (Jim) Schwartz of Aurora, Ohio, and Grace (Evan) Roth of Littleton, Colo.
